Cathode structure for a multibeam cathode ray tube

Abstract

A flat cathode ray tube device is provided for display of information by response to an electron beam of a phosphor coating on a face plate. A monolithic structure includes an x-y matrix of electron source cathodes and a pair of grid arrays successively spaced from the matrix with holes therethrough adjacent to and aligned with the cathodes selectively to form and individually control the intensity of an electron beam from each of said cathodes. Deflection control structure has holes through which the beams may pass with a set of x-y deflection electrodes associated with each of the holes for x-y control of the trajectory of each of the beams. A support plate forms the base of the monolithic structure with the cathodes mounted thereon and a face plate structure marginally sealed to the support plate provides a vacuum tight envelope housing the monolithic structure.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A cathode structure for a multibeam cathode ray tube comprising: a. an elongated conductor having a peaked riser flanked on each side by deviated portions lying in a common plane perpendicular to the plane of said riser,   b. structure at the peak of said riser for enhancing electron emission therefrom upon current flow through said conductor, and   c. planar monolithic conductive structure contacting said deviated portions on said elongated conductor that forms paths for current flow to and from said risers.   
     
     
       2. A cathode structure for a multibeam cathode ray tube comprising an elongated conductor having a plurality of peaked risers each flanked on each side by laterally deviated portions lying in a common plane perpendicular to the plane of said risers, and structure at the peak of each said risers for enhancing electron emission therefrom upon current flow through said conductor. 
     
     
       3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein separate conductive means contact said deviated portions of said elongated structure that forms paths for current flow to and from each of said risers. 
     
     
       4. The combination set forth in claim 2 in which said laterally deviated portions are contacted to separate conductive pads at said plane to provide multiple paths for current flow in the regions of said laterally deviated portions. 
     
     
       5. The combination set forth in claim 4 in which a plurality of said elongated conductors are arranged in a side by side relation having said laterally deviated portions in a common plane with the spacing between said conductors equal the distance between risers on a given conductor to form an x-y matrix of electron sources. 
     
     
       6. The combination set forth in claim 5 in which conductive pads extend generally perpendicular to said conductors to support said laterally deviated portions in regions between said risers. 
     
     
       7. The combination set forth in claim 6 in which a guide plate extends in a plane parallel to the plane of said conductive pads on the side of said conductors opposite said pads with guide structure engaging and directing said risers.